B1 English Stories
Page 3 of 4 • 66 stories total
The Argument
Maria and Anna, best friends for twenty years, have a painful argument over a misunderstanding. Maria wrongly believes Anna is talking behind her back, not realizing it was about a surprise birthday party. After two weeks of silence and regret, they both reach out at the same moment, reconcile, and learn that true friendship can survive any storm.
The Breakup
Sarah realizes her three-year relationship with Michael has grown distant. After an honest conversation, they both acknowledge their love has faded and decide to break up. Though painful, Sarah uses this time to rediscover herself through painting classes and reconnecting with old friends. Months later, she runs into Michael at a coffee shop and they have a pleasant conversation as friends. Sarah learns that ending a relationship is not failure but a brave choice for growth, and she builds a fulfilling life on her own terms.
Forgiving Someone
Emma and Sarah were best friends for twenty years until Sarah said hurtful things about Emma during a difficult time at work. After a year apart, they reunite in a park where Sarah sincerely apologizes. Emma learns that forgiving someone can bring peace and set you free.
Long Distance Friendship
Emma and Sophie have been best friends since childhood. When Sophie moves to Canada for work, they maintain their friendship through video calls, messages, and visits. After five years, Emma also gets a job in Canada, reuniting them as neighbors once again.
Studying Abroad
Emma fulfills her dream of studying abroad at a German university. She overcomes initial challenges like homesickness, language barriers, and learning to live independently. Through making international friends, joining study groups, and getting an internship, she grows into a confident and independent person. Her exchange year becomes the best decision of her life.
The School Play
Emma, a shy student who fears public speaking, unexpectedly signs up for auditions when her school announces a production of Romeo and Juliet. Despite her nerves, she lands the lead role of Juliet. Through weeks of intense rehearsals, she bonds with her castmates and discovers a hidden talent for acting. On opening night, Emma transforms on stage, delivering a memorable performance that earns a standing ovation. The experience changes her life, building her confidence and inspiring her to pursue theater in university. Years later, she reflects on how one brave decision to try something new shaped her entire future.
The Language Exchange
Maya joins a language exchange program in Barcelona, where she struggles with Spanish at first but gradually improves with help from her host family and classmates. Through cultural activities, weekend trips, and daily practice, she gains confidence and forms a deep friendship with Carlos. By the end of her semester abroad, she realizes that learning a language is about more than words—it's about connecting with people.
Rock Climbing
Emma, who has always been afraid of heights, decides to try indoor rock climbing with her experienced friend Marcus. Despite initial nervousness, she learns the safety techniques, conquers the beginner walls, and discovers a passion for climbing. Over the following weeks, she improves her skills and eventually tries outdoor climbing, realizing she is stronger than she thought.
Learning to Code
Emma decides to learn programming and starts with an online Python course. After mastering the basics, she builds a calculator and then a personal website. Eventually, she creates a task management app that people actually use. Her determination pays off when she lands a job as a junior developer at a startup.
The Robot Helper
The Chen family welcomes MAX, a robot helper, into their home. MAX quickly becomes essential by cooking, cleaning, and helping the children with homework. Despite some mishaps like a messy pancake incident, the family grows to love MAX. When Mia gets sick, MAX takes excellent care of her, monitoring her health and keeping her comfortable. Over time, the family realizes that MAX has become more than just a machine—it has become a cherished member of their family.
The Smart Home
The Miller family moves into a fully automated smart home where everything can be controlled by voice or smartphone. While excited about the technology, they face challenges including malfunctioning systems and a security breach when someone hacks their network due to a weak password. Their teenage daughter Emma helps fix the security issue. Over time, they learn to balance technology with human connection by creating a technology-free hour each evening. The story teaches that technology should enhance life, not replace genuine human interaction.
Digital Detox
Emma, a graphic designer, realizes she spends too much time on her phone. After her friend Sarah suggests a digital detox, Emma tries a weekend without her smartphone. Despite initial anxiety, she rediscovers reading, nature walks, and meaningful conversations. By Sunday, she feels transformed. Emma makes permanent changes including deleting social media apps, limiting screen time, and creating phone-free zones at home. A month later, her work has improved, relationships are stronger, and she has rediscovered old hobbies. The story teaches that technology is a tool we must learn to use wisely.
App Addiction
Marcus downloads a mobile game recommended by a colleague and gradually becomes addicted to it. He spends increasing amounts of time and money on the game, neglecting his work and relationship with his girlfriend Anna. After Anna expresses her concern, Marcus researches app addiction and recognizes the symptoms in himself. Together, they create a plan to overcome his addiction. Through deleting the game, setting screen time limits, and exercising together, Marcus regains control of his life. He learns that technology is a tool that should serve us, not control us.
Backpacking Through Europe
A young person embarks on a six-week backpacking adventure across Europe after university, visiting eight countries from Amsterdam to Berlin, meeting fellow travelers, and gaining life-changing experiences and perspectives.
The Night Train
Emma takes her first solo journey on a night train from Vienna to Paris to visit her grandmother. During the overnight trip, she explores the dining car, meets a friendly elderly traveler who shares stories of his European adventures, and watches the beautiful landscapes pass by. After a peaceful night's sleep, she arrives at Gare de l'Est where her grandmother warmly welcomes her, and they share a French pastry at a nearby bakery.
The Cruise Ship
The Martinez family embarks on an unforgettable Mediterranean cruise, visiting Barcelona, Mallorca, Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Santorini, and Mykonos. Through ancient ruins, stunning sunsets, and shared experiences aboard the ship, they create lasting memories and strengthen their family bonds.
An Unexpected Adventure
Sarah, a meticulous planner, finds her Italian vacation derailed when her flight to Rome is cancelled. Taking a chance on Barcelona instead, she embarks on an unexpected adventure through Spain and Portugal. Along the way, she meets new friends, learns to surf, discovers pottery, and slowly transforms from someone who needs to control every detail to someone who embraces spontaneity. The journey changes her life so profoundly that six months later, she quits her job to travel the world.
Tokyo Adventure
Emma travels to Tokyo after saving money for two years. She stays at a traditional ryokan, visits famous landmarks like the Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, and the golden temple in Kyoto. She tries authentic ramen, wears a kimono, and experiences Japanese culture firsthand. The trip transforms her into a more confident person, and she leaves Japan with wonderful memories and a promise to return.